Wave of Settler Violence Hits West Bank: Mosque Torched, Homes Destroyed, Farmers Attacked

A sharp escalation in violence by Israeli settlers has been reported across the occupied West Bank, with recent attacks including the arson of a mosque, the destruction of homes and vehicles, and systematic intimidation targeting Palestinian farmers during the critical olive harvest season.

Mosque Desecrated in Deir Istiya

In one of the most stark incidents, the Hajja Hamida Mosque in the village of Deir Istiya was attacked on November 13th. Investigations confirm that assailants poured accelerant at the entrance, set the holy site ablaze, and vandalized it with hateful graffiti. Copies of the Qur'an were burned inside the building.

Quick action by local residents prevented the structure from being fully engulfed. Defiantly, the community cleaned and restored the mosque, holding Friday prayers there just days after the attack. Despite condemnations and promises of a military response, no suspects have been apprehended in connection with the desecration.

Coordinated Arson and Assaults on Villages

The mosque attack follows a series of other violent incidents. Around November 11th, dozens of masked settlers launched a coordinated arson assault in the Beit Lid area. According to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), they set fire to multiple trucks at an industrial facility.

In the nearby village of al-Jaba, several homes, a shack, and three vehicles were reportedly torched. Further south, in the town of Sa'ir, settlers allegedly physically assaulted civilians, including women, with batons. Emergency services, including fire engines and ambulances, were reportedly blocked from reaching the victims.

Olive Harvest Season Marred by Violence and Intimidation

The violence has cast a shadow over the annual olive harvest, a vital economic and cultural event for Palestinians. In the village of Sinjil, farmers report that olive production has plummeted by an estimated 80% due to persistent threats and violence.

Many farmers state they are being systematically prevented from accessing their own land by settlers, who have destroyed olive trees and used intimidation to drive them away. These acts often occur with the alleged backing or presence of Israeli soldiers, creating an environment of impunity.

International Condemnation and Domestic Rebuke

The attacks have drawn widespread condemnation. Al-Azhar, a preeminent Sunni Islamic institution, labeled the mosque arson a "heinous terrorist crime." Germany's Foreign Ministry also denounced the violence, calling for thorough investigations and accountability.

Within Israel, the events prompted rare high-level criticism. President Isaac Herzog condemned the attacks as "serious," while military leadership stated it would not tolerate extremist vigilantism.

A Systematic Campaign, Observers Warn

Human rights organizations argue that these incidents are not random but part of a calculated strategy. The PCHR and other observers note a clear pattern, suggesting such violence is intended to intimidate Palestinians and facilitate their displacement from land targeted for settlement expansion. They point to a permissive security environment that has allowed such settler aggression to thrive, raising alarms about a further deterioration of stability in the region.